Wishes - how crowded is it?

[Robo]

Last time I went, I was on the walkway towards liberty square just to the left of the castle and saw everything and was not crowded at all and this was Spring break last year.

Because that's one of the more well-known "blind-spot places" to see Wishes.
The large trees (nearly invisible until the fireworks begin) block a major part of the show.

(Often CMs will caution guests in that area about the problems.)

 

[pens4821]

We did FP one night and the view was awesome. Another night we lucked into an awesome spot about a half hour before wishes started. Most the people were watching the parade and some were staking out wishes spots. As we realized we couldn't cross the street we ended up in front of the east FP area where the tape for standing came to a point (sorry, not regular enough to give exact spot). It was between FP and the shrubbery. We were far enough to the left by the walkway that it was awesome. Just a couple feet over to the right trees were blocking the view a bit.

It did get a little crowded behind us, but we had an amazing spot.

We actually were trying to get behind the castle to go to a 7d FP (which we missed) because we aren't regulars and didn't really realize there is no way to cross over when MSEP is going on. We were running late to begin with and didn't have time to backtrack.

It all worked out though. We had a great spot and got in line for 7d about 945 (park open till midnight with EMH) and only waited 25 minutes.

 

[Nancyg56]

Only you can decide if the crowds will ruin your experience, but I have to say that Wishes and the show that pecedes it are fabulous!!! WE are going in December with my DS and his wife. DS has not been back to Disney since we took him when he was 12, and so this is a huge deal. He is not good in crowds. WHile I am going to plan as well as possible to minimize his having to deal with crowds, we also need to consider that in December the Christmas parties make it hard to avoid a crowded MK if you want to see Wishes on a non party night. If I cannot figure out a decent plan, he is just going to stay behind that night with whoever else wants to veg by the pool.

Illuminations is a better bet for lower crowds, but you also have to be ready for those folks who let you all stake out the perfect spot and then decide your space is preferable than theirs and they move on in. The truth is that no matter how carefully you plan, there will be people who to to encroach on your personal space because they want your spot without haveing had to wait for it.

 

[dachsie]

I don't feel I missed anything and for the first time I saw Tinkerbelle. So I was happy.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

Yes, wishes is crowded, but it isn't miserable. I cry everything during the castle light show, and just cannot imagine missing both that and wishes. It is the most magical way to end a day at MK. After the fireworks, we usually go back and ride some more until we are spent.

 

[Penguinempress]

I equate the dash to the exit after Wishes to the Running Of The Bulls in Pamplona Spain.
With over 75,000 bulls.....

This is exactly what I'm dreading. Any idea how long it typically takes for the bulk of the crowd to exit?

 

[UncleMike101]

This is exactly what I'm dreading. Any idea how long it typically takes for the bulk of the crowd to exit?

I don't know about the bulk of the crowd but the last time we were at the hub for Wishes it took us about an hour to get to the bus stops.
It was the second week of July 2012 and the MK was jammed.
We've adjusted our travels to WDW since then and now go when the crowd levels are expected to be somewhat lower.
Last year we watched Wishes from the Train Station and were at the bus stops about ten minutes after Wishes had ended.

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

Honestly, we've started watching Wishes from FL. We don't get to see the castle projections or Celebrate the Magic, but our view for that often ends up being blocked by a child who is put up on someone's shoulders right before the show starts. Since I'm only 5' tall and my kids are about 4'6" right now, we just don't get a great view of that stuff without a FP. On the other hand, it's not crowded back there and the fireworks are impressive and all around you.

 

[Robo]

This is exactly what I'm dreading. Any idea how long it typically takes for the bulk of the crowd to exit?

Find a bench or chairs and just sit and wait for 45 min., or so.

We generally never exit MK or Epcot until at least an hour those parks close.

Buses will run until the very last guest is taken to his resort.